Learning Objectives

Chapter 16 reviews population, ecology, and urbanization from a sociological point of view. It will first introduce you to measures of fertility, mortality, and migration. You will then study the relationship between population growth and the environment from a variety of perspectives. Finally, you will briefly study the process of urbanization.

After studying this chapter, you should be able to

1. Interpret the effect of the Great Social Transformation on population, ecology, and urbanization.
2. Understand the demographic concepts of fertility, mortality, and migration.
3. Recognize the components and the impact of the demographic transition.
4. Understand the connection between population growth and the environment.
5. Learn the similarities and differences among theories of population growth.
6. Identify historical and contemporary processes affecting cities.